7 cool things to do in Beijing, China

Exploring the capital of China can be an embarrassment of riches and, sometimes, an overwhelming experience. Here’s a list of 7 things you must do when in Beijing to enjoy the city

1 . Explore the Forbidden CityThe Forbidden City is the former imperial residence, sprawled over 180 acres in downtown Beijing, which, over five centuries, served as the political centre of the Chinese world. It was built under the reign of Emperor Chengzu to project Chinese might to the world. Twenty-four emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties made it their residence between 1420 and 1924, commanding an almost divine power over their vassals, although rarely venturing outside its massive walls. So rarified was the atmosphere of the Forbidden City that uninvited visitors risked instant death. All that has changed today, and the massive palace attracts great crowds, who come to admire its architecture and its feng shui-mandated layout. It is a fascinating place: don’t miss the recurrent dragon and phoenix motifs – emblems of the emperor and empress – and the mythical creatures that adorn the buildings’ eaves.

2. Explore the hutongsPredating Beijing’s much-talked-about skyscrapers and ring roads, the hutongs are a warren of alleyways and dungeons in the old town built after 1215, the year when the Mongols, under Genghis Khan, burnt Beijing, then called Zhongdu, to the ground. Locals consider these the arteries of the ancient city, the place to find the real Beijing even today. The hutongs are lined with traditional courtyard homes (siheyuan) and family-owned shops; men play mahjong, women gossip and kids play in the streets, offering visitors a sense of life lived to a different, older pace.

3. Pay your respects to Chairman MaoThe Great Helmsman’s body lies in state in the Chairman Mao Memorial Hall off Tiananmen Square. Entry is free, but you might have to wait a while in queue with the many locals who come to pay their respects.

5 . Find peace in a parkThe Temple of Heaven Park, located in Tiantan Donglu, is a perfect place at which to get away from the frenetic pace that Beijing pulsates to. It is spread over 675 acres, and dotted with tranquil temples that are sure to soothe.

7. Stay traditionalSet in a traditional courtyard house, the Sitting on the City Walls Courtyard House (Dongcheng District, Jingshan Backstreet Alley, Nianzishan) offers a great location in a hutong, and simple rooms and dormitory-style sleeps.